The elevator industry has turned a great deal of attention to the subject of improving routine elevator maintenance in recent years. It is generally agreed that proper maintenance is a key factor in the effort to preserve public and worker safety. However, despite corporate monitoring, updated code requirements, and existing company maintenance plans, there is still room for improvement across the industry.
When service companies are faced with the demands of increased labor and materials, they often reduce time spent on maintenance and expand maintenance routes to encompass an ever growing number of units. The result is that maintenance deteriorates, trouble calls increase and the bottom line suffers, causing routine maintenance to be even more difficult to accomplish. It’s a dangerous cycle.
Fortunately, the cycle can be broken. As required by code ASME A17.1, a Maintenance Control Program, or MCP, promises to the be a key factor in reversing these negative trends. An MCP should be the cornerstone of any quality maintenance agreement. The MCP provides an excellent means of measuring the quality of maintenance that is being performed, thus ensuring that the expectations and perceived outcomes of the equipment owner, service contractor, and the maintenance technician are understood and met.
Landmark Elevator, Inc. service technicians perform regular maintenance and are available 24/7.
Essentially, the MCP provides a systematic framework to indicate the frequency of routine services such as cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, parts replacement, and periodic testing. The building owner must take an active role in understanding the MCP and must recognize the value of the the service company that faithfully utilizes it. The service contractor must adhere to the MCP by ensuring that the technician receives the training, tools, and time to accomplish the outcomes required. The contractor must also provide measurable feedback to the equipment owner. With clear communication and quantifiable outcomes, the MCP allows all parties to agree on expectations for maintenance of equipment.